Empanada Filipino – Culinary Chase
When I think about Filipino empanadas, I’m transported to sunny afternoons filled with laughter, the sounds of friends and family sharing stories, and the irresistible aroma of freshly baked pastries wafting through the air.
These delightful pockets of goodness pair perfectly with a refreshing mango salad or a zesty dipping sauce that adds a pop of flavor. So grab a plate and prepare to dive into this delightful treat that has become a staple in my home.
Empanadas are one of those timeless dishes that bring a certain magic to any gathering. They’re versatile, easy to make, and all-around crowd-pleasers. Imagine crispy, golden-brown pastries filled with savory meat and veggies.
In the Philippines, empanadas have become a beloved street food, often enjoyed as a snack or appetizer. Their flaky crust and hearty filling make them an irresistible choice for both casual get-togethers and festive occasions.
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What is empanada filipino?
Filipino empanadas are stuffed pastries that boast a flaky crust and a savory filling typically made with ground meat, vegetables, and a hint of sweetness from raisins. The dough is buttery and tender, creating a delightful contrast with the rich, flavorful filling. While many might toss in traditional ingredients like beef or pork, the real charm lies in how adaptable these pastries are, allowing you to tweak the recipe to suit your tastes.
The Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these delicious Filipino empanadas:
For the Crust:
– 8 ounces (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
– 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– 3 tablespoons sugar
– 1 teaspoon salt
– ⅓ cup ice-cold water
– New Ingredient: 1 teaspoon baking powder for a lighter crust
For the Meat Filling:
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– ½ small onion, diced
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– ½ pound ground beef (or your preferred meat)
– ¾ cup tomato sauce
– 1 small potato, peeled and cubed
– 1 large carrot, peeled and diced
– ½ cup frozen sweet peas, thawed
– 2 tablespoons raisins
– Salt and pepper to taste
– New Ingredient: 1 teaspoon soy sauce for an extra depth of flavor
For the Egg Wash:
– 1 egg
– 1 tablespoon milk
– ⅛ teaspoon salt
Ingredients From : kawalingpinoy.com
How to make empanada filipino?
Ready to make some of the best empanadas of your life? Let’s get cracking with these simple steps. They’re straightforward, and I promise you will be pleasantly surprised at how easy it is to create these golden delights.
Step-by-step directions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by cutting the cold butter into cubes. This is crucial as we want our dough to have that flaky texture. Pop those cubes into the freezer for about an hour to chill while you prep the other ingredients. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder. Once mixed, chill the flour mixture in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will prevent the dough from melting when you add the butter.
Step 2: Combine Butter and Flour
After your butter has cooled, add it to the chilled flour mixture. Now here comes the fun part—cutting the butter into the flour! You can use a pastry blender, but I find using my hands works just as well. Pinch the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with small bits of butter still visible. This step is essential for a flaky crust.
Step 3: Add Water
Next, gradually drizzle in the ice-cold water. Use your hands to mix gently until the dough starts coming together. If it feels too crumbly, add a bit more water, about a tablespoon at a time. Remember, you want to avoid adding too much liquid. Once it forms a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
Step 4: Make the Filling
While the dough is chilling, heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until they soften and become fragrant. Then, add your ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks for about 6 to 8 minutes, until it’s no longer pink.
Step 5: Add Vegetables and Sauce
Stir in the tomato sauce, cubed potatoes, and diced carrots. Reduce the heat and let this simmer, covering the skillet. Cook until the meat is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender. The mixture should be thick but moist. Finally, add the thawed peas, raisins, soy sauce, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow this to cool completely before assembling the empanadas.
Step 6: Roll Out the Dough
Once your filling is ready and the dough has been chilled, divide it into 12 equal balls. Between two sheets of parchment paper, use a rolling pin to flatten each ball into about 5 inches in diameter and ¼ inch thick. Use a round cutter or the rim of a bowl to cut out circles from the dough.
Step 7: Assemble the Empanadas
Lay a dough circle on a flat surface. Spoon about a tablespoon of your meat filling into the center of each circle. Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly with your fingers to seal. For extra protection against leaking, use the tines of a fork to further seal the edges. Repeat until all the dough is filled.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, and salt. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lay your assembled empanadas on a greased baking sheet in a single layer and brush the tops with the egg wash. Bake for about 25 to 30 minutes or until they’re beautifully golden brown. Let them cool for a minute or two before transferring them off the sheet.
Notes
– Chill your ingredients: Keep your butter and flour cold for a flakier crust.
– Don’t overwork the dough: Mix until just combined for the best texture.
– Adjust the filling: Feel free to get creative by including your favorite veggies or proteins!
– Egg wash for shine: Brushing with egg wash gives the pastry a stunning finish.
– Serve warm: These empanadas are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven!
Storage Tips
Once cooled, store empanadas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze them before baking. Just wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Nutrition Information
– Calories: Approximately 210 per empanada
– Carbs: 24g
– Fat: 10g
– Protein: 6g
Serving Suggestions
1. With a side of vinegar sauce: A tangy vinegar dipping sauce enhances the flavor perfectly.
2. Pair with sweet chili sauce: Adds a sweet kick that balances nicely with the savory filling.
3. Serve with a mango salad: The lightness of mango salad complements the richness of the empanadas.
4. Accompany with a simple green salad: A fresh crunch with lettuce, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette.
5. Enjoy with a cold beverage: Pair it with a chilled tropical drink for a summertime vibe.
What other substitute can I use in empanada filipino?
1. Ground chicken or turkey: For a leaner meat option, swap in chicken or turkey.
2. Vegetarian alternative: Use lentils or chickpeas for a tasty vegetarian filling.
3. Sweet potatoes: Replace regular potatoes with sweet potatoes for a touch of sweetness.
4. Zucchini: Incorporate shredded zucchini for added moisture and nutrition in your filling.
5. Different cheese: Try adding cheese like queso blanco or cheddar for a creamy twist.
Empanada Filipino
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- rolling pin
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Skillet
- pastry cutter
Ingredients
- Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these delicious Filipino empanadas:
For the Crust:
- – 8 ounces 2 sticks unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- – 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- – 3 tablespoons sugar
- – 1 teaspoon salt
- – ⅓ cup ice-cold water
- – New Ingredient: 1 teaspoon baking powder for a lighter crust
For the Meat Filling:
- – 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- – ½ small onion diced
- – 1 clove garlic minced
- – ½ pound ground beef or your preferred meat
- – ¾ cup tomato sauce
- – 1 small potato peeled and cubed
- – 1 large carrot peeled and diced
- – ½ cup frozen sweet peas thawed
- – 2 tablespoons raisins
- – Salt and pepper to taste
- – New Ingredient: 1 teaspoon soy sauce for an extra depth of flavor
For the Egg Wash:
- – 1 egg
- – 1 tablespoon milk
- – ⅛ teaspoon salt
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Start by cutting the cold butter into cubes. This is crucial as we want our dough to have that flaky texture. Pop those cubes into the freezer for about an hour to chill while you prep the other ingredients. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder. Once mixed, chill the flour mixture in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will prevent the dough from melting when you add the butter.
Step 2: Combine Butter and Flour
- After your butter has cooled, add it to the chilled flour mixture. Now here comes the fun part—cutting the butter into the flour! You can use a pastry blender, but I find using my hands works just as well. Pinch the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with small bits of butter still visible. This step is essential for a flaky crust.
Step 3: Add Water
- Next, gradually drizzle in the ice-cold water. Use your hands to mix gently until the dough starts coming together. If it feels too crumbly, add a bit more water, about a tablespoon at a time. Remember, you want to avoid adding too much liquid. Once it forms a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
Step 4: Make the Filling
- While the dough is chilling, heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until they soften and become fragrant. Then, add your ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks for about 6 to 8 minutes, until it’s no longer pink.
Step 5: Add Vegetables and Sauce
- Stir in the tomato sauce, cubed potatoes, and diced carrots. Reduce the heat and let this simmer, covering the skillet. Cook until the meat is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender. The mixture should be thick but moist. Finally, add the thawed peas, raisins, soy sauce, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow this to cool completely before assembling the empanadas.
Step 6: Roll Out the Dough
- Once your filling is ready and the dough has been chilled, divide it into 12 equal balls. Between two sheets of parchment paper, use a rolling pin to flatten each ball into about 5 inches in diameter and ¼ inch thick. Use a round cutter or the rim of a bowl to cut out circles from the dough.
Step 7: Assemble the Empanadas
- Lay a dough circle on a flat surface. Spoon about a tablespoon of your meat filling into the center of each circle. Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly with your fingers to seal. For extra protection against leaking, use the tines of a fork to further seal the edges. Repeat until all the dough is filled.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
- In a small bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, and salt. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lay your assembled empanadas on a greased baking sheet in a single layer and brush the tops with the egg wash. Bake for about 25 to 30 minutes or until they’re beautifully golden brown. Let them cool for a minute or two before transferring them off the sheet.
Notes
Nutrition
FAQs
1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and keep it wrapped in plastic in the fridge.
2. Can I freeze cooked empanadas?
Yes! Cooked empanadas can be frozen for up to three months. Just reheat in the oven for the best texture.
3. What can I use instead of ground beef?
You can use any ground meat you prefer, such as pork, turkey, or chicken, or even a mix of them for a juicy filling.
4. Why did my empanadas leak filling during baking?
Ensure that the dough is sealed completely, and avoid overfilling; a tablespoon of filling is usually just right.
5. How do I know when my empanadas are done baking?
They’re ready when the tops are golden brown and the crust looks crisp. Trust your nose; you’ll know when they smell amazing!
Conclusion
Empanadas are a delicious and fulfilling dish that combines a crispy crust with a savory filling, making them perfect for any occasion. With a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a batch of these delightful pastries that will surely impress at any gathering.
Whether you’re enjoying them on your patio with friends or savoring them on a cozy night in, these empanadas will become a favorite in your recipe arsenal. Grab your ingredients and start whipping up some Filipino goodness—you won’t regret it!